Program Summary

From forested mountain tops to small rural villages nestled amid rice paddies to the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok, our Thailand program is a broad and unforgettable journey in “The Land of Smiles.” In one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, our Thailand course provides off-the-beaten-path experiences that incorporate village home-stays, community service work, jungle trekking, extensive discourse on Theravada Buddhism, and a thorough discussion of regional politics and issues in human rights. Our program begins in Chiang Mai, in Thailand’s north, and then travels to border areas in the east. Outside of Mae Hong Son we hike through bamboo forest and stay with ethnic Karen villagers. In Mae Sot near the Burmese border, we survey border issues and integrate service work with inspiring visits to medical clinics, orphanages, and various NGO’s. In Sukhothai we explore fantastic ancient ruins in one of Asia’s most splendid World Heritage Sites, and we settle into a Buddhist ...

Program Summary

From forested mountain tops to small rural villages nestled amid rice paddies to the buzzing metropolis of Bangkok, our Thailand program is a broad and unforgettable journey in “The Land of Smiles.” In one of the world’s most popular travel destinations, our Thailand course provides off-the-beaten-path experiences that incorporate village home-stays, community service work, jungle trekking, extensive discourse on Theravada Buddhism, and a thorough discussion of regional politics and issues in human rights. Our program begins in Chiang Mai, in Thailand’s north, and then travels to border areas in the east. Outside of Mae Hong Son we hike through bamboo forest and stay with ethnic Karen villagers. In Mae Sot near the Burmese border, we survey border issues and integrate service work with inspiring visits to medical clinics, orphanages, and various NGO’s. In Sukhothai we explore fantastic ancient ruins in one of Asia’s most splendid World Heritage Sites, and we settle into a Buddhist monastery for a five-day meditation retreat. From the hill-regions of the north, we travel to the coastal communities of the south for a week-long exploration of sea-fairing communities in regions bordering Malaysia.

To read a complete program itinerary, please visit: www.wheretherebedragons.com

Program Highlights

Explore the idea of reciprocity: participate in hands-on learning service projects, live with remote hill tribe communities, and study Theravada Buddhism along Thailand’s pristine coast.

10/ 10

I had an incredible, life-changing experience abroad, in one of the most beautiful countries on earth!

Submitted by
sophie angelique -
University of Colorado - Boulder| October 24, 2012

This was a truly phenomenal experience. Going into it, I knew very little of what to expect. I went in with jitters and wanderlust excitement, and I came out more satisfied and changed as an individual than I probably ever could have predicted. This course was eye-opening, challenging, spiritual, beautiful, and I made some friends I will cherish for the rest of my life. It prepared me for the nomadic path I have chosen to lead, and it gave me a greater understanding and sense of compassion towards all things both beautiful and frustrating within our world. I'll never forget that summer. Thank you, Dragons.

Experience Required

This Program is open to

Participants Travel

in Groups

Typically Participants Work

in Groups

Scholarships are Available

Dragons provides need-based scholarships. Any student interested in a Dragons program but unable to afford full tuition is encouraged to apply for financial assistance through our scholarship program. To receive a scholarship application, please write to the Dragons office.